Cigarette importer wins case against customs

SHAH ALAM - The director of a cigarette import company was awarded about RM500,000 (S$193,755) in his suit against the Customs Department for un­­lawfully sealing his business.

The High Court awarded Ramu­nas Sdn Bhd director and owner Ros­­lan Abu Bakar RM473,120 goods cost and RM50,000 in general da­­mages.

Justice Wan Afrah Wan Ibrahim also ordered 5 per cent interest from the filing date of the suit plus RM20,000 in costs to be paid to Roslan.

Roslan, 50, filed the suit on Nov 23, 2010, against Customs raiding officer Kamaruddin Jusoh, investigating officer Mohd Sukri Jusoh, senior assistant director Mohamad Sapian Sanusi, Customs director-general Datuk Seri Khazali Ahmad and the Government.

His lawyer R. Ravendren told reporters that the defendants re­­presented by Senior Federal Counsel Andi Razalijaya A. Dadi would be appealing against the decision.

Roslan had originally sued for RM15 million, claiming that the Cus­toms had been negligent in sealing his cigarette business. On Aug 29, Justice Wan Afrah found the defendants liable.